Christian Eriksen interview: Tottenham star on their many managers, learning from Bergkamp and more

Who's the boss: Eriksen has called Villas-Boas, Sherwood and now Pochettino 'Gaffer' at Spurs

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The joke doing the rounds of North London in recent years was that Tottenham do not have a Manager of the Month. They have the Month of the Manager.

Christian Eriksen smiled when he heard it. But doubtless he could see the origins of the quip.

In the 14 months that the 22-year-old Dane has been at the White Hart Lane club , he has heard three different voices give the pre-match team talk.

When he joined Spurs in an £11million move in August last year, there were the measured tones of Andre Villas-Boas.

Then came the more explicit and forthright instructions from Tim Sherwood.

Now he listens to the fragmented but ever-improving English of Argentine Mauricio Pochettino.

“It is true there have been some changes,” he said. “I don’t know if it makes life more difficult but it would be easier for everyone if you keep the same coach.”

Now there would appear to be a deliberate attempt by the club hierarchy to keep faith in Pochettino and there is no doubt that Eriksen enjoys life under the new manager.

He is a player who thrives on maximum possession, touches galore and constant involvement.

Where Villas-Boas tended to give him a wide role, Sherwood gave him more freedom and the same policy has been adopted by Pochettino (right).

“Villas-Boas wasn’t a bad man, not at all,” he said. “But he wanted everybody to be happy. He played some guys three games and then other guys three games.

“When you are new it is difficult to get momentum and get to know your team-mates when you are not regularly in the team. It was a difficult time.”

It would be fair to say he was more fulfilled under Sherwood in his six-month tenure:

“I like the ball as much as possible, I want to assist and create things, and under Tim that happened.”

It is also happening under Pochettino:

“It is a good system, I play with freedom and that is when I play the best.”

Results suggest Tottenham are still finding their way under the new managerial regime.

“We should have had more points,” admitted Eriksen. “But we are still developing and learning. From game to game it looks better.”

The last scoreline in the Premier League suggests otherwise. Spurs were beaten 4-1 at Manchester City eight days ago but Eriksen was quick to point out it didn’t reflect what happened in the game.

“You see that 4-1 and it looks as though we were slaughtered,” he said. “But that was not true. We could have been level but didn’t score from our penalty and then we had Federico Fazio sent off. And we had chances. But we know how we played.

(Image: Shaun Botterill)

“But we also saw that against a top side, if you give them just a little bit of space, they will score. That is what we must work on. If we do that, we will finish high. We are going in the right direction. I am sure of that.”

“It is a good opportunity for us,” said Eriksen. “Newcastle have struggled and we will see how we go. Everyone is looking to get revenge from last Saturday.”

Nobody more so than an expectant Spurs crowd and the pressure will be on. But Eriksen is no stranger to pressure after his time at Ajax.

Take the likes of PSV, Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar out of the equation and the Amsterdam outfit are expected to win. And usually do.

“That is one of the reasons I wanted to come to Tottenham, to a bigger club and to play in a bigger league. Anyone can beat anyone in the Premier League. Yes, that has made me stronger and more tough.”

It may have taken time for Eriksen to reproduce his best form on a consistent basis but he can take heart from a man who has had a significant influence on his career – Dennis Bergkamp.

(Image: Getty)

Bergkamp struggled to make an immediate impact after he joined Arsenal but came through in stunning fashion to achieve legendary status in the other half of North London.

When he retired ­Bergkamp returned to Amsterdam and worked with Eriksen at youth and Under-19 level.

“I learned so much from him,” said Eriksen, speaking at an EA SPORTS FIFA 15 event. He used to join in the training sessions and you see how he found space and how he used space.”

There was a time when it seemed that Eriksen would follow his mentor to Arsenal. He chose Tottenham and has not regretted it.

“I am happy I decided to come here,” said Eriksen. “We can still achieve things here this season. We need to be strong and keep our heads high.”

* Christian Eriksen stars in EA SPORTS FIFA 15, out NOW on Xbox One, PS4 and all other platforms. Pick up your copy from www.easports.com/uk/fifa/buy #FEELTHEGAME .